d2Benz

Hello All,
I currently drive a W210. E320.
I'm about to upgrade to W211. I'm considering an '05 or '06 model year.
What year and which model will be the best for the money.
I'm a realtor and I drive a lot. should I consider a CDI? I've never owned a diesel engine car though.
I'm not sure if E500 is an option, mainly because of the engine size. I'm not sure of the difference in mile/gal for a 320 and 500 engine.
Please advice. is there a facelift version like we had in the W210 ie pre 2000 models and post 2000 production years.

Advice will be very appreciated.

It will be great to read from previous W210 owners too.

thanks

philfna

If you are in the car a lot the E320 CDI/Bluetec is an awesome vehicle. Reliable, lots of power, and great gas mileage.

DESAL

Hi, I bought a used 2005 W211 E320CDI with 18,000 installed the NAV myself. Love the diesel, not to fond of the NAV basically because my 9 year old GARMIN 3600 hand held (they don't make my model any longer) run circles around the NAV system. I have briefly looked at the 2009 E class NAV system which is improved over 2008 and before. Back to the CDI. Runs like a champ. ave 24mpg around town and can get 35mpg at 65-70mph on the highway for long trips. 29-30 for short trips Delray Beach to Ft Lauderdale air port. Change the oil at 10,000 miles using synthetic. Think the tire noise is louder than the diesel. Depending on conditions it will throw smoke out the rear but it is only a problem for the tailgater in back of you. My advise is find one on a lot or a friend and drive it. If your considering a new car MB has a few new diesels to look at although I don't think the 500 is one. The SUV's come in a diesel but the mileage is less than the E. Good luck in your hunt. Isn't buying cars lots of fun......

thegamemodo9

The facelifted versions are 2007 and after.

You would be suprised at the gas mileage of an E500. It's pretty close the the 320. I've had some trips that averaged ~27 miles per gallon. I know some people on here have gotten almost 30.

gaazmon

I would recommend not buying a E320 (gas version) since the E350 (2006) is such a difference. There are some really good deals on 06 E350's now. The 07s will be more since they have the facelift. Also, the 350 is closer to power with the 500 than the 320 is. Also, the 350 comes with the 7 speed, a lot less problems, better intake system, etc. The mileage on the 500 is not that bad, but if you drive more on the streets like I do, than it is a difference in regards to mpg. However, if you want the torque of the V8, go for it, but probably the 350 is your best bet if your not looking for so much power.

LaicepsYdobon

I'm with gaazmon on this. Go for a 350 if you can. If you don't need a 4matic then you will be very happy with a 7-speed 350, otherwise you'll end up with a 5-speed which has a little bit worse gas mileage.

alejotrujillo

How about the smoothness of the 5-speed? Does it feel like a Mercedes should, or does it feel like an outdated auto transmission?

LaicepsYdobon

My past two cars (and my current) all have the 5-speed tranny with 4matic. Silky smooth. When doing 80MPH I'm pulling close to 3K RPMs but its very nice and quiet inside the cabin.

jcpca356

i chose a 500 over 350 mainly because i'm sort of an enthusiast but i mostly i wanted a daily driver that can outmaneuver other daily drivers in traffic

jcpca356

5 speed is great too. it's a time-tested transmission

gaazmon

The 5 speed is good, just had it replaced under warranty due to glycol from the radiator leaking (very common on 03's and sometimes on 04's. Never heard of it happening on an 05).

The gasoline 320 doesn't move that well. We have an 02 CL500 and it's great, so the 500 is very fun, however the thing only gets 15 mpg avg because it has a 5 speed and we mostly drive it on the streets and not highway. However, I got a C350 loaner once and it was very quick IMO, so the 350 moves very well.

d2Benz

thanks for all the comments. Its really nice to know that we are all members of the mercedes family. Its looking like either a cdi or a 350 engine.
I appreciate all the inputs.
What are the main difference in the facelift version
?

Polar Bear

Facelift has some minor interior changes, minor headlamp changes, pointed front bumper, different wheels for most models, different tail lamps, rear bumper, different exhaust on tips on some, etc.

The CDI is a great car - a pleasure to drive and very smooth. I would not hesitate to recommend a Diesel to anyone.

The gas models are great too, and I agree with the posts above- I would get the E350 and would recommend a 2007+. The quality on the 2007 and higher seems to be better.

I disagree with the comments about the navigation being bad - it has always got me where I needed to go without any issue. The directions are show on the instrument cluster, which is very nice. It's not a flashy system, but very functional. Yes - the 2009+ has a better navi system, but the DVD based 2003+ does work, and gets you where you want to go.

K-A

Yeah I'd say 350 is the way to go. On the streets you will see an MPG difference between that and the 500, not as much on the Highway. The 500 motor is silky smooth but the 350 gets up and goes, is a newer tech motor (4V), sounds good for a 6, and has enough pep IMO. It's really smooth too, but not as smooth as the V8 naturally.

The facelift is mainly aesthetic changes, there are a few improvements here and there and a few regressions and cost-cutting as well, IMO they almost balance out. I'd say look and sit in each and make your decision on which you like better stylistically and that will be the better one for you.

LaicepsYdobon

I'm with Polar Bear on this. The navi is good. While not as good as the current gen but it is very intuitive. I went for a drive with a friend of mine and would much prefer the COMMAND system in his car instead of the iDrive he's got.

dvmak

Polar,

What were the interior changes on the '07? I never noticed anything different on the interior ...

Barry45RPM

Different HVAC Controls, different door lock buttons, different interior to glove box... no capability for the interior shelf, as it has a ledge or rail running across the bottom front edge to keep things from sliding out. Non stitched leather horn/airbag cover on wood trimmed wheel.

gaazmon

The interior in the 06 v 07 is better, they took out a lot of features in the 07. The 07s are a little pricier as well. If you get an 06 though, make sure you get it with appearance package or AMG sport package.

LaicepsYdobon

Oldest interior

Newer interior

Current interior

Pay special attention to the gear lever and the HVAC controls.

K-A

What's the glove box thing?

Also the roof lining and A-Pillar interior lining is different, the '07+'s got an IMO cheaper looking spongy material.

gaazmon

OMG!!! The second one is a clutchless manual (SMG, DCT, PDK)!!!!!

WTF!!!! Check it out, there is no third pedal.

220S

Thanks, nobodyspecial, for those comparison pics. Good find.

The current pic shows black gauges, whereas on my 09 I have white gauges. Also, of course, the AMG package has a much different steering wheel (but with still those type of control buttons in that current pic.)

LaicepsYdobon

I think the reason why you have white gauges is because you have the AMG package. On both my '07 and '08 E-Classes I have black gauges (both cars have only P1 packages).

gaazmon

White gauges come with the sport package.

K-A

I also noticed from the Pics, the tan interior on the pre face-lifts has a color coded light switch knob, and the face-lifts have the plastic piece around it awkwardly bad.